Criteria to Become a Certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE)

A women-owned business is defined as being owned, capitalized, operated and controlled by a woman or group of women. The business must be a “for-profit” business which physically resides in the United States or one of its territories. Some applications require US Citizenship and some will accept legal residency.

Note: Non-For-Profit companies DO NOT qualify for any certifications.

Ownership by women means the business is at least 51% owned a woman or group of women. In the case of a publicly-owned business, at least 51% of the stock is owned by one or more women. Further, the management and daily operations are controlled by those women.

Fifty-one percent (51%) established ownership by a woman or a group of women.

Evidence of proof of 51% majority control and effective management of the business as evidence by the governing documents such as by-laws, hire-fire authority and other decision-making roles.

Ownership of women must establish their expertise in area they are seeking certification.

Percentage of ownership equity and capitalization is commensurate with ownership percentage.

Control of the business as evidenced by signature role on debt or financial instruments, legally binding documents such as leases and contracts.